Rackheath aerodrome was built by John Laing & Son Ltd on the estate of Sir Edward Stracy of Rackheath Hall. Built to the specifications of a Class-A heavy bomber airfield it was used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). The station opened in March 1944 and was designated USAAF Station 145. The station became the home of the 467th Bombardment Group (Heavy), the third group in the 96th Combat Wing, Second Bombardment Division (later Air Division) of the Eighth Air Force of the United States Strategic Air Forces in Europe (USSTAF). See also: Link